I am so not going to be popular after this review. Just thinking aRating: (♥ ♥ ♥ 1/2)

"Keep squirming, luv. Rubs me in all the right places, it does."

I am so not going to be popular after this review. Just thinking about writing it gave me insomnia last night. I had visions of an enraged horde of Frost fans wielding pitchforks and torches while chasing me through a darkened landscape. But I gotta be honest with my feelings. Question is… do you want the good news first or the bad news? Either way, I have a feeling I’m going to be donning my running shoes by the time I’m done. Just give me a head start, if you please.

Here goes…

Bad news first...This Side of the Grave was kinda meh for me. It wasn’t great, awesome, or mind bogglingly good. It was slow in the beginning and never really picked up enough to take away my sense of boredom. I just didn’t like this book as much as the others in this series. The usual creativity and humor that Frost usually has with was missing or forced. It seemed a little contrived to me. Almost like it was an effort to write. The plot was a little disappointing as well. There were so many missed opportunities that Frost could have banked on but didn't. For instance, another reviewer thought she could have done more with Marie Laveau. I'd have to agree with her. That was definitely a missed opportunity. But maybe Frost is saving that for another book. I guess we'll have to wait and see. Also, her friend Denise's shapeshifting cameo. Could have done so much more with that as well. Can't go into detail. But it was very short, anti-climactic and almost unnecessary.

[ ↓ Made up word]Badder news next...I hate to say it… I was a little annoyed with Cat and Bones relationship. I don’t really know why. I think it was a little too much on the sappy side for me. I prefer it when they have a little conflict going on between them. Enough to spice it up and make things steamy. Plus, Conflict allows for the build up of tension. Tension adds to the heat of the love scenes. None of that was present. In the first book we had the conflict of Cat hating vampires, in book two we had Cat on the run from Bones, in the third book we had Tate's insistent plays for Cat. In the fourth book we had Cat's first husband, Gregor, trying to steal her away in her dreams. This time around... nothing. What does that say about me? I'm obviously a difficult person I guess. If things get tepid, I get bored. [Note: I said tepid, not Tepish]

[ ↓ real word]Worst news...Now for the worst part... I had a problem with the “kinda infamous” chapter 21. I know I am in the minority with this opinion, but it did absolutely nothing for me. In fact, I don't recall being turned on by any part at all. Maybe it was too much explaining and not enough showing. Maybe I had a hard time connecting with it because of the POV. Maybe if it had been from Bones POV instead of Cats I would have gotten more from it because we would've had a more detailed perspective on how it was affecting him. It just felt clinical to me. Like Cat was giving Bones his annual prostate exam - melted wax included - while dictating every action for a crowd of interns taking notes. Really, from my POV, chapter 21 was kind of a poser. I think it really wanted to be like Chapter 32. But there is absolutely no topping chapter 32. Frost is going to have to pull out the big guns to outdo her own masterpiece. Can she do it? I think so. I'm going to wait for it eagerly, because I don't feel Chapter 21 was even a worthy competitor.

To be fair, I suspect my problem with the book might be based a little on the fact that I listened to the audio book instead of reading it on my kindle. I do find the narrator for this series a bit annoying; and narrators are a tricky thing. Especially when she’s doing Bones' voice. She somehow manages to steal his masculinity; for me at least. She also tends to over act everything a bit too much for my liking. I think the best narrators are the ones that are more subtle. I do think the audiobook could be improved upon for the entire series by doing what some authors have done by having a male narrator read for the male parts. My suggestion for the Night Huntress series would be James Marsters. I think he’d make a perfect Bones. I was a die hard Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan and Bones character reminds me a little of Spike. That being said, maybe I will give a go at a reread from my kindle and update my review later to see if that makes any difference on my perspective.

The Good news:What did I enjoy? I loved Vlad, as usual. I think he may actually be my favorite character right now. We definitely need to see more Tepesh! I'm ready for him to have his own book in the Night Huntress World series. There were some clever parts here and there that made me laugh. I liked the reintroduction of “Timmie!”... whose name I can’t say without saying it like the Timmie from South Park. I was wondering if Frost was ever going to bring him back into the picture; I’m glad she did. I enjoyed the possible flirtation between Vertas and Ian, and the spark of maybe a future sum-sum going on there? It would be nice to see a spin-off on those two as well. Then there was Winston Gallagher. Remember him? The panty poltergeist that gave Bones his first taste of jealousy where Cat is concerned? He made a brief cameo and I think I like where the series may be going from the ghosty angle. I did like the ending. It was interesting, but I can’t say anything else about it without giving away spoilers.

Last, I’d like to put in a plea for poor Tate. Can’t this guy get a break? Can we get him somebody please? I always feel sorry for him. Am I the only one? I actually think Tate is full of hotness himself. He deserves someone that can master him just like Cat would.

So what’s the final verdict? I didn’t hate it and it wasn’t painful to read, but It wasn't a complete win for me, either. It was still entertaining and fun despite my nit-picking and whining. So I’m going to round up my rating by half and shelf this one on my “Win" shelf. Something you may want to keep in mind: my opinions on This Side of the Grave are definitely in the minority; and I will always be a faithful Frost fan. You'll find me pacing the floor for the release of the next book with as much anticipation as the rest you guys. The good news is we won't have a full year to wait like usual. The next one is due out August 2011. Woohoo!...more

I read this before I started my goodreads account. Review forthcoming in the future.

What I can say about A hunger like No Other iRating: (♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 1/2)

I read this before I started my goodreads account. Review forthcoming in the future.

What I can say about A hunger like No Other is that I remember really enjoying the first book in Coles IAD series. I'm very partial to all the stories in the series about any of the men from the Lykae clan. They tend to be my favorite....more

This was the story of Mariketa the awaited and Bowen McRieve. Definitely at the top of my list of favorites for this series. I loveRating: (♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥)

This was the story of Mariketa the awaited and Bowen McRieve. Definitely at the top of my list of favorites for this series. I love the Lykae clan and the books involving one of their men always tend to be my favorites.

I read this before I started my goodreads account. Review forthcoming in the future....more

This was the story of Neomi the prima ballerina and Conrad Wroth, one of the Wroth brothers. This was one of my less enjoyed novelsRating: (♥ ♥ ♥ ♥)

This was the story of Neomi the prima ballerina and Conrad Wroth, one of the Wroth brothers. This was one of my less enjoyed novels in the IAD series. I'm still debating on what kind of star rating to give this one. I hate not having the HALF star to throw in there when your vacillating between decisions. Right now it's at a three. That may change.

I read this before I started my goodreads account. Review forthcoming in the future....more

This was the story about Cadeon Woede, a rage demon, and Holly, an obsessive compulsive valkyrie warrior. I loved this story in the bRating: (♥ ♥ ♥ ♥)

This was the story about Cadeon Woede, a rage demon, and Holly, an obsessive compulsive valkyrie warrior. I loved this story in the beginning and then somewhere down the line it started to bother me for some reason. Probably because I just didn't like how Cadeon was using her and placed the fate of his kingdom above his mate. I'll have to reread it and put my finger on what bothered me. I do remember being irritated in the second part of this book with the story itself and Cadeon. Although, I wouldn't call this a lose, It wasn't one of my favorites. But I still remember it as entertaining.

I read this before I started my goodreads account. Review forthcoming in the future....more

It's funny, I remember liking this book more the first time I read it than the second time. Maybe it has something to do with my currRating: (♥ ♥ ♥ ♥)

It's funny, I remember liking this book more the first time I read it than the second time. Maybe it has something to do with my current mood or state of mind.

This is the story of Rydstrom Woede, former king of Rothkalina and a rage demon, and Sabine, a sorceri female and Queen of Illusions. Sabine is the half sister to Omort the Deathless one. Born a warrior of ultimate evil from a previous vessel in the past ascension to Sabine's mother. He is the evil sorcerer that stole Rydstroms kingdom and throne. Rydstrom has spent centuries looking for a way to defeat so that he can take his kingdom of Rothkalina back.

After discovering a possible solution to defeating Omort, Rydstrom is seduced and then trapped by Sabine the Queen of Illusions who is privy to the knowledge that she is Rydstrom mate. Sabine is pretending to side with her half brother Omort but she actually has self serving motives all of her own.

I had a hard time liking Sabine in the beginning. I wasn't sure if KC was going to be able to pull off a personality change that would make her less ickyish. In the end, I wound up liking her better, bristles, thorns and all. But this is one of those books that wound up making me ambivalent. Not one of my favorites, but I still really enjoyed it, nonetheless....more

“Now three wounds marred his gorgeous body, three trails of blood tracking over the rises ad falls of rock-hard muscle. Gritting

Rating: (♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 1/2)

“Now three wounds marred his gorgeous body, three trails of blood tracking over the rises ad falls of rock-hard muscle. Gritting his teeth, he said, “This hurts like hell, lass, but it’s heartening.”

“How do you figure?”

“At fifty times the distance, you dispatched that ko-bold with three arrows to the neck. I’ve earned a trio to the chest. Seems you slapped him while you’re tickling me. You doona want to kill me, which is a good sign. Maybe this is your way of flirting?”

Pleasure of a Dark Prince is the story of Garreth McRieve, a Lykae prince second in line to the Lykae thrown and Lucia the Huntress, the valkyrie archer that suffers extreme pain when she misses a target. Garreth and Lucia are fated for one another. But do they fall into one another's arms without a struggle? Um, no. Nothing comes easy for these two, even though Garreth is perfectly willing. Lucia leads Garreth on a crazy chase around the world (literally) in search of a way to end the existence of an apocalyptic evil about to rise. She craftily and aggressively dodges his many attempts at seduction and possession.

Lucia to Lachlain:“This isn’t over. And if you lay another paw on me, MacRieve, I’ll make you regret it.”

When she turned from him, he laid another paw on her, giving her arse a possessive squeeze, groaning with pleasure; she whirled around and punched him with shocking force in the Adam’s apple, doubling him over as he coughed.

As she hastened away, he grated, “Still doona regret it.”

But Garreth McRieve is a man obsessed and impossible for Lucia to shake. He is hot on her tail (no pun intended) through the first half of the book. When he finally catches her in the second half, they begin to work together toward the same goal… kind of. This is where their relationship really starts to build and grow as they become undeniably charmed by one another.

However, something is preventing Lucia from making that final leap into Garreths’ eager and waiting arms. Isn’t this always the case? Lucia must battle with nightmarish memories and a millennium long conflict that haunts her to this day. Actually, nightmarish really is an understatement for the trials and conflicts that await them both near the end. Despite all the grisly, bloody, and horrific challenges they face together, there is a well earned HEA for these two.

I have to confess, I 'm biased when it comes to the Lykae clan. They're my favorite male characters in the IAD series. LOVE EM! Like one of my favorite heroines (MacKayla Lane) once said from Moning's Fever series... "Who wants to get it on with a man who's in touch with his inner dog?" Uh... **raises hand** ...I guess that would be me. Men in touch with their inner dog, inner beast... whatever you want to call it... are hands down sexy! Kresley Cole flawlessly captures and nurtures those tricksy, wolfsy like qualities in her Lykae males. She has a talent in that department and not just with the Lykae. She magically captures the essence or embodiment of her characters' true natures within their mannerisms, actions and dialogue.

Near the end, Pleasure of a Dark Prince introduces us to an evil organization called the Order. We also get a look at some of the other secondary characters like Lothaire, Carrow and, of course, the lovable Regin the Radiant - a.k.a - RegRad; The glowing, outlandish, party girl, valkyrie with a filter missing between her brain and her mouth.

Regin:“I’ll lunch on their balls!”

That was Regin’s new threat: to lunch on enemies’ balls. “reege, when you threaten males with that, I don’t think it has the result you intend. They think less Lunchables, more tea bag.”

“Huh? Whatever!”

To sum up my feelings about this book... Loved it! This story has it all…

I’m always enthusiastic about promoting this series. So if you haven’t already, you need to add Kresley Coles’ IAD series to the top of your TBR pile. Just for starters and a little taste of what it’s like, you can read the prequel to the series for free at the link provided below. It also gives you a look at excerpts into many of the other books in the series.

A little something extra from a man’s point of view:I’ve been reading this series to my husband so he can catch up and read Coles’ new release, Dreams of a Dark Warrior, which is also Regin’s story. So I’m going to include his thoughts about Pleasures of a Dark Prince as well.

First off, my husband is not long on words. He gets straight to the point. His one pet peeve with some of the PNR and UFs’ I’ve already exposed him to is the excessive sex in many of them. In his words, less is more. He prefers stories with a good build up of tension between the main characters before any action starts starts to happen.

That being said, he still enjoys the IAD series regardless. He found Garreth McRieve to be a really likeable, fun, character. The thing he liked the most was the epic Indiana Jones style action and adventure. We’re both in agreement that KC is talented at coming up with the most inventive and creative situations to throw her characters into. He also found the ending to be touching and sweet. He's is a real sucker for a good HEA. Most men wouldn’t be caught dead admitting to that. And although he used to be one of those men at one time, he’s not afraid to own up to it anymore.

So for all you men out there that might be considering caving to your wife or girlfriends’ request to read one of her favorite PNR or UF series… be brave and adventurous. Make the leap. Show the world you have an open mind. You’ll be glad you did and reading a series with your significant other can be a really fun way to share your time together....more

“And if you don’t think I can hold my own against all those eighteenth-century mortals you were out tagging, then you’re a fool, Casanova.” ... “Oh, yes, I know all about you.”

He went still. “What are you talking about?”

“I was alive back then. And all the Lore heard about the ruthless warlord brothers from Estonia. The general, the scholar, the enigma, and . . . the manwhore.”

Untouchable is about Daniela the Ice Maiden, a half Valkyrie, half Ice fey warrior and rightful heir to the Icere thrown and Murdoch Wroth, Eighteenth-Century Warlord, Modern Vampire Soldier and brother to Nikolai, Sabastian and Conrad Wroth. The two face a multitude of conflicts trying to make their relationship work. Daniela and Murdoch can never touch without inflicting excruciating pain and damage to Daniela's body. Which has to stay cold or above a certain temperature she could die. On top of the temperature issues, Murdoch is a total rake. He's completely inept when it comes to relationships, as he's never actually been in one. After being blooded by Daniela he manages to say and do all the wrong things. And he does this to the only woman in the Lore who actually wants him and would accept him regardless of the fact that he's a vampire.

Kresley Cole is one of my favorite authors and I'm totally in love with her IAD series. They're uniquely entertaining with their creative plots and quirky dialogue. The beginning of this story got off to a really good start. The main characters were well rounded and there was instant chemistry between them. The dialogue, as usual with all Kresley Cole novels, was superb! I admit I found much of the story entertaining. But I think she may have gotten in over her head with the whole "untouchable" thing.

But the biggest problem? I don't think anyone can identify with Daniela's unique problems. Who here has ever felt rejuvinated and relaxed in a freezing tub of ice water? Um ... not me. I just can't relate. Honestly, as I sit and think about how to even make that connection possible for the reader, I realize just how difficult it would actually be for KC. So I must admit that this was no easy task to accomplish. Unfortunately, the lack of connection also made the story an uncomfortable read for me in places.

Love scenes? The first one was actually kind of hot. After that ... mmm, not so much. Imagine being miserably freezing cold and trying to make love. Or using an icicle for foreplay? Um, no. Sorry. Makes me want to put on fleece undies and top that off with a chastity belt. On top of that little bit of torture, the two were miserable constantly because they could never touch! Thankfully Cole managed to make their coupling work out in the end. But the journey getting there was a little torturous and uncomfortable at times.

I usually really like Coles' novels more, but I think the storytelling suffered a tiny bit with all the torture the characters endured for the sake of love... or just sex alone. I did still like this book. It just wasn’t a win for me though. Maybe somewhere between Like and Win. It did have a really good ending. I guess that makes up for some of the uncomfortable parts in the story. Plus, I still, and always will, recommend any Kresley Cole novel. They're just that good....more

When she scooped up her clothes, opened his door, then snapped her fingers for a guard down the hall, Wroth watched like a bysta

Rating: (♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 1/2)

When she scooped up her clothes, opened his door, then snapped her fingers for a guard down the hall, Wroth watched like a bystander.

“Pssst. Minion. I need these laundered. Very little starch. Don’t just stand there gawking or you’ll anger my good frenemy General Wroth. We’re like this.”

He couldn’t see her but knew she was twining two fingers together.

Hot, sexy, sweet and humorous!

The Warlord Wants Forever is the story of Myst the coveted and Nikolai Wroth. Myst, a feisty seductress, is a green-eyed, redheaded Valkyrie warrior whose special talent is the ability to exploit, control, and kill men using her feminine wiles. Strong, sexy and battle scarred, Nikolai Wroth is a human turned vampire warlord and General of the Forbearer Army. The Forbearers never take blood from the flesh to avoid taking a life along with their victims’ memories. The vamps in the IAD series don’t have bodily functions like a heartbeat, respiration and sexual need or ability. That is until they discover their predestined Bride who will spark a physical change in them called “blooding.” Being “blooded” causes all bodily functions to spring to life at once. Then a desperate need ensues that can only be sated by the vampire “claiming” his bride.

Myst and Wroth are doomed from the start. As a Valkyrie Myst was raised to hate and kill vampires and surprise, surprise... Wroth IS a vampire. However, he has one ace in his pocket where she is concerned. Myst has a secret infatuation that she’s harbored for him most of her life. She’s quite familiar with Wroths’ past as a great warrior and his accomplishments on the battlefield when he was a human. Their paths cross when Wroth takes siege of a castle where Myst is imprisoned. While Wroth seeks to interrogate Myst for information on the Lore, she seduces and teases him like a cat playfully toying with a mouse before the kill. Her behavior is both odd and intriguing making Wroth believe she is probably insane.

Wroth:

He swallowed. “Have you no modesty?” Never in his life had he encountered a female so quick to be naked. Of course, he’d never in his life encountered a female who should so utterly be naked at any chance.

Wroth has his hands full with this vixen from the very beginning and has no idea what’s in store for him. He is surprised to discover that Myst is actually his bride after she “bloods” him. Although she’s seduced, blooded, and killed more than one vampire in her lifetime she can’t bring herself to do the same to Wroth. Out of fear of being ostracized by other creatures in the Lore Myst doesn’t allow herself to entertain any thoughts of actually being with him. In an attempt to protect her reputation she leaves poor Wroth hanging in desperate insatiable need for five long years. In never ceasing pain and unable to slake himself without his bride, Wroth searches for her relentlessly to end his torment and seek revenge. Karma kindly rewards him in the way of a mystical chain that binds her to his will and its game on!

Myst:

“Wroth, darling,” she purred, smiling so sweetly. “I can’t wait for the next time I get to put my mouth on you.” In an instant the smile faded and she snapped her teeth and yanked her head back as if she was chewing something free.

I usually don't enjoy short stories too much because there isn't enough time for good character development and chemistry building in the relationships. However, I really enjoyed this gem. I’ve actually read it multiple times. It was cute and different. I loved the main characters and the dynamics between them! They were just so… Likable! The dialogue was humorous and fun and the love scenes were definitely steamy. The two main characters were surprisingly well developed with great chemistry right from the start. As short stories go this one was a really fun read.

What I like most about the IAD series as a whole is the quirky humor. I also like how there’s another storyline on the perimeter of the series that builds with each individual novel. Kresley Coles’ series is not without its’ flaws though. However, she’s such a great storyteller that it more than makes up for any weaknesses. I can always count on her books to thoroughly entertain me.

TWWF is the prequel to Kresley Coles’ IAD series. But the first book in this series, A hunger Like No Other, really does a better job of setting the tone and developing the world of the Lore. I recommend reading that book before reading this the prequel or you could be a little confused with this story. Or not. I did actually read this one first myself and remember thinking it a bit odd because I didn't understand anything about the world of the Lore yet. I still enjoyed it regardless.

I’m always enthusiastic about promoting this series. So if you haven’t already, you need to add Kresley Coles’ IAD series to the top of your TBR pile. You can read The Warrior Wants Forever for free at the link provided below. It also gives you a look at excerpts into many of the other books in the series as well.

“Not at all. I’ve not laughed like this …” His brows drew together. “I think I’

Rating: (♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 1/2)From the prologue:

“You do not not mind my humor?”

“Not at all. I’ve not laughed like this …” His brows drew together. “I think I’ve never laughed like this.”

“Usually I exasperate people. And I jest at inappropriate times. Such as during executions. Freya says ’tis my gift and my bane to frustrate others.”

“I like your manner, Reginleit. Life is long without humor.”

I absolutely loved this book!! I’ve been just as excited about this book as everyone else. Not because Regin was one of my favorite characters. She wasn’t really. I’m always excited about new IAD releases. But a while back, Kresley Cole slipped us some IAD crack in the form of an awesome teaser that wound up being the longest and best Prologue I’ve ever read! That prologue and then the release of the first chapter changed my mind about Regin and moved her to the front of my list with party girls, Nix, Mariketa and Carrow. It also bumped Declan Chase, a.k.a. Aiden the fierce, to the front of my list with Bowen, Garroth and Malkom.

Moving on …

Dreams of a Dark Warrior is the story of the Valkyrie Regin the Radiant and her berserker warlord Aidan the fierce. Fated lovers separated through time by a curse that takes Aiden’s life just as he remembers his past and his love for Regin. Their story is fraught with peril and bad luck from the beginning. It differs from the other books in this series in that it's actually kind of emotional. Bringing these two cursed lovers together for an HEA is no easy task. It’s a journey full of hostility and torment. And there is so much anguish in this book, for both characters, that I actually got weepy.

Aiden’s present reincarnate is the loathsome Declan Chase. A Magister for an Order of mortals that hunts down, experiments on, and kills creatures of the Lore. Regin among them. When she finally encounters Declan, he is already so bitter, tortured and ruined that any hope for their love might already be lost. Even though Aiden and Declan are different from one another they are still much the same in many ways. It’s interesting how the mirroring between these two comes full circle.

Regin’s Character is the short tempered, consummate smart-ass that is forever the clown in front of her peers. And yet, most of that clowning is a way to conceal the turmoil that is going on inside her. She’s a loyal friend and fierce protector who is completely devoted to each of Aiden's reincarnations. But this last embodiment might push her beyond her limits.

As always Kresley Coles' stories are full of quirky humor and funny dialogue. I especially love Regin and her sassy one-liners. She is one of those rare birds that was born with no filter between her brain and her mouth. Her “Regin speak,” as I like to call it, is one of the things I enjoyed the most.

Regin:“I finally understand what a dickie-do is. Your gut does stick out more than your dickie do.”

And she’s not the only one. She meets some new characters in the book who come out with their own witty expressions and comebacks.

Then there is Lothaire, the enemy of old. We get a much deeper perspective on him in this book. He’s capricious, duplicitous, derisive and sneaky. He’s also a little bit spacey at times and reminds me of Nix—just a tad. I developed a major crush on him immediately. There is no telling what his master plan is and whom it involves, although I have my suspicions. One thing is for sure; he’s a conniver who never does favors without a price and without it serving his “End Game.” The fact that he's naughty and unpredictable makes him that much more appealing.

Lothaire:Lothaire crooned, “Ah children, it’s not yet story time.” He closed his eyes and turned away, saying over his shoulder, “To anyone who contemplates even nearing me while I sleep: I will garrote you with your own viscera.”

This book was the perfect blend of fun, funny and emotional. And let’s not forget HOT! It’s chock full of toe curling hotness. But that goes without saying because… HELLOOOOO! It’s Kresley Cole! Would you expect anything less? Her IAD series has always been steamy, entertaining and fun. She unfailingly puts her characters into the most interesting and clever situations. And they are all so well rounded and unique that you can’t help being drawn in by them. Even the secondary characters.

Each book in this series is more enjoyable than the one before. I can’t say it enough or with enough enthusiasm. You should add this series to the top of your “to-read” list. It may be a little different or unusual. But if you pick up the first one and give it a read, I am positive you’ll enjoy it so much you’ll immediately move on to the next book and the next and … you get the point.

The prequel to this series, The Warlord Wants Forever, is actually free and you can read it at the link I’ve provided below. It’s a quick read as well, so there are no excuses for not having the time people! Do it NOW! Then move on… AND HURRY! Your 11 books behind already! What are you waiting for?

Okay, I know I'm not sticking strictly to my reading list by venturing off and reading Crave. But I've stopped and started this book oveRating: (♥ ♥)

Okay, I know I'm not sticking strictly to my reading list by venturing off and reading Crave. But I've stopped and started this book over and over again and suddenly felt compelled to finally finish it.

I hate, hate, hate, though, writing a bad review on a book by an author I absolutely adore. It makes me cringe and want to hide. It's a completely rotten feeling and really difficult to do. But I have to be honest with my feelings and my reviews. And I'm sure many of you will think I'm traitorous.

I really don't even know where to start with this one. I'm a huge BDB fan and I love J.R. Ward's writing. She on my list of favorite author's and she's delivered such jewels up to this point. Admittedly some shinier than others, and... maybe some not so shiney. But they've all been fairly sparkly to some degree. Okay, maybe sparkly isn't the right word to use because it doesn't really do justice to the BDB at all. But I'm referring to her talent and not the savage, masculine, teddy bears that is the BDB.

I actually started Crave several times only to put it down and forget about it for weeks at a time. I finally pushed myself (and I do mean push in the strongest sense of the word) to read it all the way through. Which was really tough. I felt so disconnected from this story. No connection with the characters or anything. The romantic relationship was unconvincing, as was some of the situations in the book. In fact, I found myself rolling my eyes repeatedly from the moment I opened the book to it's conclusion.

This was a painful read for me. So much so, I had to resist the urge to keep checking the front cover to make sure I was reading the right book by the right author. I kept thinking... surely this is an impostor or I've made some kind of mistake. But no... it's no mistake. Maybe it's the series itself? It definitely isn't BDB, and I swear I thought I got more out of Covet, than I did from Crave. But I really can't remember. Simply put, though, Crave was not for me.

This won't affect my desire to give the next one in the series a try. I know J.R. Ward is full of awesomeness and can deliver the sparkles. And if the next one in this series isn't for me either... well... I'm still and always will be a die-hard BDB fan....more